Just in Case You Didn't Know...
2009
Just in case you didn't know, at least 18% of appendectomies
are unnecessary, according to a recent study at the University
of Washington. Many doctors are quick to recommend the surgery
without waiting to confirm the diagnosis. Misdiagnosing inflamed
lymph nodes or stomach viruses as appendicitis are common errors.
If you're not sure about the doctors diagnosis, ask for a CT
scan of your stomach before being operated on.
Are there other secrets of health, money and everyday life
that are hidden from you? You bet. Five more follow, just in
case you didn't know.
1. Parking Lot Treasure
Rapid temperature changes when getting in and out of cars
and buildings cause diamonds to come loose from their settings.
This makes parking lots one of the most common places diamonds
are lost. An older couple became experts at telling the difference
- from a distance - between the sparkle of a diamond and bits
of glass on the pavement. They regularly took early morning walks
in mall parking lots for a second income during retirement.
This couple claimed that the difference in how diamonds reflect
light is noticeable with a little practice. To do this right,
though you need a loose diamond or two. Lay them down near bits
of glass to learn to spot them - and don't forget where you put
them!
2. Double Tax Deduction for IRA Contribution
Whether starting an IRA (individual retirement account) or
adding to it, there is a way to get two tax deductions. Instead
of funding the IRA with cash, sell any stock you own which has
decreased in value, and put THAT cash in it. You can write off
the capital loss for the sale of the stock (first deduction),
and deduct your contribution to the IRA as well (second deduction).
And if you still like the stock you sold? Just buy it back
using your IRA. It's true that there's a "wash rule"
in the tax code, which says you can't sell and repurchase a stock
within a certain amount of time just to claim a loss. But you
and your IRA are separate entities as far as this rule is concerned.
As I write this, you can immediately repurchase the stock in
your IRA and still write off the loss (but check with your accountant
or tax professional to see if this has changed).
3. Creatine for Brainpower
Normally found in meat, creatine is used as a supplement by
athletes to help build muscle mass. Research, however, shows
that it helps your brain also. Proceedings B , a journal published
by the Royal Society reports improvement in working memory and
general intelligence resulting from creatine supplementation.
In the study, the dose used was 5 grams per day - about the
same level used to boost sports performance. This is as much
as you'd normally get in four pounds of meat, according to lead
researcher Doctor Caroline Rae.
4. Possible Herb Dangers
Natural doesn't safe in all cases. For example, be careful
when giving certain herbal supplements to children. Regular garlic
can thin the blood and increase bleeding in kids. At any age,
Saint John's Wort may interfere with chemotherapy and immunosuppressive
drug treatments. Certain herbal weight loss products can cause
heart arrhythmias in users. So let the doctor know what herbs
the kids (and yourself) are on before he prescribes medicines
and treatments.
5. Internet Travel Secret
While preparing to travel overseas, email important information
and numbers to yourself before you go. Include the number to
call if your credit card is stolen, and the numbers of the U.S.
Embassies where you'll be traveling. Any information you'll need
or want if you lose your luggage and wallet should be included
as well.
When and if you need any of this information, it will be available
in any internet cafe in the world. And just in case you didn't
know, public internet access is much more common outside the
United States, even in most third-world countries (there is more
demand for this when buying a computer is too expensive).
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